A local consumer helpline has won a prestigious government award for the quality of its service.

The West Yorkshire Trading Standards helpline became one of the first to be awarded the new Quality Mark, given to organisations who achieve high standards in telephone based services.

The service, which aims to deal with more than 80,000 calls a year, puts disgruntled customers in contact with trained advisers.

"I am particularly pleased that the helpline has achieved Quality Mark status," said Martin Wood, Joint Services Chief Officer.

"The helpline was initially set up as a pilot project and its long term future will no doubt be determined by its success. This award is further recognition of the high standards we have set ourselves."